On 18 November, the Minister of Public Health, Catalina Andramuño, presented the 2019-2023 National Plan to Prevent and Control Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), which is already in force. The program is part of the surveillance and monitoring system spearheaded by the Ministry in order to promote measures in this area. The plan was presented in the presence of Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) international representative Aida Soto and regional representative Pilar Ramón.

The presentation of the plan took place within the framework of World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) which aims to increase awareness of antibiotic resistance among the general public and encourage better health practices to avoid the further emergence and spread of AMR.

Pilar Ramón highlighted the pioneering role played by Ecuador as the first country to launch its AMR Prevention and Control Plan. “Our motto for the World Antibiotic Awareness Month is that the future of antibiotics depends on everyone, as we do not want any more deaths from these causes.”